The present disclosure relates to assembly structure of a car instrument panel and in
particular, relates to a reinforced instrument panel assembly accommodating switches for
mounting on a bezel of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
In modern vehicles, software-controlled electronics plays a major role in the functioning
of a vehicle's functions. In a vehicle, there are multiple intelligent electronic modules performing
functions such as window control, sunroof control, parking indicator, navigation, HVAC, safety,
security, audio, and others. Though each of them works on its own, the modules will be
15 connected using some in-vehicle network.
The instrument panel provides a frame structure for placing the electronic modules or
switches with which the vehicle communicates to the driver. The instrument panel consolidates
the electronic modules for the driver to easily see or locate the switches and can access the
switches with ease.
20 The instrument panel rests on a bezel structure of the vehicle. The bezel generally forms an
aesthetically appealing base visible inside the vehicle. The bezel surrounds the steering column
and displays multiple electronic modules or switches securely held by the instrument panel. The
instrument panel is therefore understood to be securely fastened with a back side of the bezel
structure.
25 The automobile designers for long have identified mounting of the instrument panel with
the bezel structure as a challenge. Generally, the instrument panel while consolidating switches
and providing the switches a surrounding framework tends to receive a lot of shear stress. At
times, the user might press the switches too hard, or during the bumpy rides on tracks, the
instrument panel tends to break under the pressure applied on it.
30 Breakage and then replacing the instrument panel has been a difficult task of the
automobile designers. The entire bezel must be disassembled, and the multiple switches are
dismantled for replacing the instrument panel. Therefore, there is a need to develop techniques
for prevention from breaking of instrument panel. A reinforced instrument panel mounted on the
3
bezel with technical improved configuration to bear the excessive shear stress and avoid the
breakage is required.

Therefore, there is a need for solution to overcome the abovementioned deficiencies.
5
SUMMARY
In an embodiment of the present disclosure a reinforced instrument panel assembly
mounted on a bezel in a vehicle is provided. The reinforced instrument panel assembly includes
10 an elongated instrument panel with an at least one cavity disposed on a front surface of the
instrument panel. A bracket unit integrally formed at a lateral side of the instrument panel
including, a peripheral rib having a recess disposed towards the centre forming a groove
configured for receiving a fastener. At least one arm securing the recess with the peripheral rib.
At least one mating flange integrally formed with the peripheral rib and disposed
15 circumferentially towards a lateral end of the peripheral rib.
In an aspect of the invention, at least one switch having a projected hook adapted to mount
on the front surface into the cavity of the instrument panel. The instrument panel providing
frame for holding the switch.
In an aspect of the invention, the switch having electrical connection with a Printed Circuit
20 Board (PCB) mounted on a back surface of the instrument panel.
In another aspect of the invention, a cover is securely fastened with the back surface of the
instrument panel.
In another aspect of the invention, a separator is mounted towards the front surface of the
instrument panel separating the switch.
25 In yet another aspect of the invention, the switch is having a spring and ball arranged
towards a lateral surface of the switch.
In an aspect of the invention, the bracket unit is integrally formed at each of a transverse
lateral side of the instrument panel. The bracket unit on each of the transverse lateral side having
inverted configuration.
30 In another aspect of the invention, the peripheral rib having an elliptical formation.
In an aspect of the invention, the recess having a circular formation with a tapered side
wall. The arm disposed perpendicularly at opposite ends of the recess securing the recess with
the peripheral rib. A cut-out is formed at adjacent sides to the arms.
4
In an aspect of the invention, the bezel having an opening for receiving the instrument
panel.
In an aspect of the invention, the instrument panel having the bracket unit receives a screw
in the recess for fastening the instrument panel assembly with a bottom surface of the bezel. A
5 sleeve extending longitudinally perpendicular from the bezel coupled with the mating flange of
the bracket unit.
In another aspect of the invention, the mating flange is integrally formed in plane
perpendicular to the length of the instrument panel and, when the instrument panel assembly is
placed in installed position in the bezel with the instrument panel extending transversely thereof,
10 the mating flange are so disposed as to be upright and to extend longitudinally of the bezel.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular
description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof,
which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only
15 typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.
The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the
accompanying drawings.
20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become
better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings,
25 wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a front side of the reinforced instrument panel
depicting components, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
30 Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of a reinforced instrument panel,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
5
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a reinforced instrument panel assembly depicting
various components of the instrument panel assembly, according to the embodiment of the
present disclosure;
5 Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the reinforced instrument panel assembly illustrating the
reinforced instrument panel assembly before mounting on a bezel of a vehicle;
Figure 5 illustrates a back view of the reinforced instrument panel assembly mounted on
the bezel of the vehicle.
10
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for
simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts
illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve
understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of
15 the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by
conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent
to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings
with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the
description herein.
20
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference
will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be
25 used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein
being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
30 meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention
belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
6
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference
5 will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be
used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein
being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
10 relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and
the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be
restrictive thereof.
15
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar
language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language
20 throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover
a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not
include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such
25 process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or
components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional
structures or additional components.
30
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
7
belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the
5 embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be
implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The
present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and
techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and
described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their
10 full scope of equivalents.
The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.”
Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all”
would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no
15 embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments.
Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one
embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and
20 illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit,
restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,”
“comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact
25 limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more
features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the
possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with
the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”
30 Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either
way it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least
one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at
least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element,
8
unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ”
or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”
Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms,
5 used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an
ordinary skill in the art.
Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an
embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements
10 presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of
illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of
the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further
15 embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple
embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”,
“furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily
refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features
and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one
20 embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all
embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or
elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in
the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all
embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any
25 appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the
context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context
of a single embodiment.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to
30 the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a front side of the reinforced instrument panel.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of a reinforced instrument panel assembly
9
100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reinforced instrument panel
assembly 100 includes an elongated instrument panel 102. The instrument panel 102 is a planar
framework structure preferably in a rectangular representation. Preferably, the instrument panel
102 have a transversely broadened area, stretched across the width of the motor vehicle. Such
5 structure is purposefully created to accommodate plurality of switches within single instrument
panel. Additionally, the transversely broadened planar framework is preferred for the present
invention configuration.
The instrument panel 102 provides at least one cavity 104 disposed on the planar surface.
The cavity 104 are apertures adapted to accommodate a switch 202. Generally, the switch 202 is
10 mounted on the cavity 104 from a front surface 106. The instrument panel 102 thus preferably
holding plurality switches 202 in a framework within the cavity 104. The instrument panel 102
is then mounted on a bezel in a vehicle holding the switches within the framework.
The reinforced instrument panel assembly 100 further includes a bracket unit 108. The
bracket unit 108 is integrally formed at a lateral side 110 of the instrument panel 102. The
15 bracket unit 108 formed on the peripheral part of the instrument panel 102 provides additional
reinforcement to the instrument panel 102, preventing from breakage. The bracket unit 108
includes further includes a peripheral rib 112. The peripheral rib 112 is preferably elliptical
structure integrally formed as an extension of the lateral side 110. The peripheral rib 112
resembles the ears formed at the periphery of the instrument panel 102. A recess 114 is disposed
20 withing the peripheral rib 112. The recess 114 is preferably circular in configuration with
tapered side walls forms a groove 116 analogous to a circular cavity which receives a fastener
406. The fastener 406 preferably a screw is threaded into the cavity for and eventually into the
bezel thus securing the instrument panel 102 with the bezel.
The peripheral rib 112 securely connects with the recess 114 through a plurality of arm
25 118. The arm 118 forms like a bridging connection between the peripheral rib 112 and recess
114. Preferably, the arm 118 are disposed perpendicularly at opposite ends of the recess 114
securing the recess 114 with the peripheral rib 112. As illustrated, four arms 118 connects the
recess 114 with the peripheral rib 112. The arms 118 are separated by a cut-out 113 adjacent to
each arm.
30 The bracket unit 108 further includes a mating flange 120 integrally formed with the
peripheral rib 112. The mating flange 120 is disposed circumferentially towards a lateral end of
the peripheral rib 112. The mating flange 120 transversely along the width of the vehicle
10
connects with the instrument panel 102 and longitudinally along the length of the vehicle
connects with the peripheral rib 112.
In an illustration embodiment of the present invention, the bracket unit 108 are
preferably formed at the transverse lateral sides along the width of the vehicle. In the present
5 disclosure, two bracket unit 108 are formed at each of the transverse lateral sides of the
instrument panel 102. The bracket unit 108 at left side of the instrument panel 102 resembles an
inverted configuration of the bracket unit 108 at right side of the instrument panel 102.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a reinforced instrument panel assembly
depicting various components of the instrument panel assembly. The switch 202 with at least
10 one projected hook 204 are mounted on the cavity 104 of the instrument panel 102. Preferably,
there are plurality of switches 202 for operating various functions in the motor vehicle like,
operating windows, parking indicator, door lock function etc. The plurality of switches 202 are
mounted from the front surface 106 of the instrument panel 102 and separated using a separator
202. The switches 202 have a spring and ball (208) arranged towards a lateral surface of the
15 switch for configuring the switches in the reinforced instrument panel assembly 100.
The plurality of switches 202 once mounted on the cavity 104 of the instrument panel
102 provides electrical connections with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 210. The PCB 210 is
mounted on a back surface 105 of the instrument panel 102. The PCB is disposed into a
hollowed inner space cover 212 which is securely fastened preferably using screws 214 with the
20 back surface 105 of the instrument panel 102.
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the reinforced instrument panel assembly illustrating
the reinforced instrument panel assembly 100 before mounting on the bezel 402 of the vehicle.
The reinforced instrument panel assembly 100 is in upright transversely extended form ready to
be securely fastened preferably using screws 406 towards a back side 502 of the bezel 402.
25 The instrument panel 102 with the bracket unit 108 receives the screw 406 in the recess
114 for fastening the instrument panel assembly 100 with a bottom surface 502 of the bezel 402.
The bezel 402 having an opening 404 for receiving the instrument panel 102.
A sleeve 408 extending longitudinally along the length of the vehicle and perpendicular
from the bezel 402 is provided. The sleeve 408 is coupled with the mating flange 120 of the
30 bracket unit 108. The formation of the mating flange 120 is dependent on the configuration of
the sleeve 408. A circular sleeve 408 requires the mating flange 120 to be similar in formation so
as to be adapt the coupling.
11
The mating flange 120 is integrally formed in plane perpendicular to the length of the
instrument panel 102 and, when the instrument panel assembly 100 is placed in installed position
in the bezel 402 with the instrument panel 102 extending transversely thereof, the mating flange
120 are so disposed as to be upright and to extend longitudinally of the bezel 402 thus coupling
5 with the sleeve 408.
Figure 5 illustrates a back view of the reinforced instrument panel assembly mounted on
the bezel of the vehicle. The instrument panel assembly 100 is securely mounted using the
screws 406 with the back surface 502 of the bezel 402. The instrument panel 102 is not visible to
the user of the motor vehicle. The instrument panel assembly 100 is received in the opening 404
10 of the bezel and only the switches 202, from the front surface 106 of the instrument panel 102 is
visible to the user.
Thus, the bracket unit 108 is attached to the bottom surface 502 of the bezel 402 and is
not visible to the user. When the user presses the switches 202 and in case of extra shear force
above the tolerance of the instrument panel 102, the bracket unit 108 bears the extra load
15 providing additional reinforcement strength to the instrument panel 102.

We Claim:
1. A reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) mounted on a bezel (402) in a vehicle, the
reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) comprising:
an elongated instrument panel (102) with an at least one cavity (104) disposed on
5 a front surface (106) of the instrument panel (102);
a bracket unit (108) integrally formed at a lateral side (110) of the instrument
panel (102);
characterized in that
the bracket unit (108) comprising:
10 a peripheral rib (112) having a recess (114) disposed towards the centre forming a
groove (116) configured for receiving a fastener (406);
a plurality of arm (118) securing the recess (114) with the peripheral rib (112);
at least one mating flange (120) integrally formed with the peripheral rib (112)
and disposed circumferentially towards a lateral end of the peripheral rib (112).
15 .
2. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, at least
one switch (202) having a projected hook (204) adapted to mount on the front surface
(106) into the cavity (104) of the instrument panel (102),
wherein the instrument panel (102) providing frame for holding the switch (202).
20 3. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the
switch (202) having electrical connection with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (210)
mounted on a back surface (105) of the instrument panel (102).
4. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a cover
(212) securely fastened with the back surface (105) of the instrument panel (102).
25 5. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a
separator (206) mounted towards the front surface (106) of the instrument panel (102)
separating the switch (202).
13
6. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
switch (202) having a spring and ball (208) arranged towards a lateral surface of the
switch.
7. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
5 bracket unit (108) integrally formed at each of a transverse lateral side of the instrument
panel 102,
wherein the bracket unit (108) on each of the transverse lateral side having
inverted configuration.
8. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
10 peripheral rib (112) having an elliptical formation.
9. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
recess (114) having a circular formation with a tapered side wall, wherein the arm (118)
disposed perpendicularly at opposite ends of the recess (114) securing the recess (114)
with the peripheral rib (112), wherein a cut-out (113) formed at adjacent sides to the arm
15 (118).
10. The reinforced instrument panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bezel
(402) having an opening (404) for receiving the instrument panel (102),
wherein the instrument panel (102) having the bracket unit (108) receives a screw
(406) in the recess (114) for fastening with a bottom surface (502) of the bezel (402),
20 wherein a sleeve (408) extending longitudinally perpendicular from the bezel
(402) coupled with the mating flange (120) of the bracket unit (108);
wherein the mating flange (120) integrally formed in plane perpendicular to the
length of the instrument panel (102) and, when the instrument panel assembly (100) is
placed in installed position in the bezel (402) with the instrument panel (102) extending
25 transversely thereof, the mating flange (120) are so disposed as to be upright and to
extend longitudinally of the bezel (402).